1 month ago
72
December 17, 2024 | 06:09 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The General Elections Commission (KPU) has reiterated that the current system of direct regional head elections in the country must be maintained. The KPU’s Commissioner for Technical and Implementation, Idham Holik, said the spirit of direct elections lies in strengthening people's sovereignty.
“Indonesia has achieved remarkable success in conducting direct regional elections, and it is imperative that we uphold this system,” Idham stated in a phone interview with Tempo on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
Idham did not deny the potential inefficiencies associated with direct elections. However, he emphasized that continuous efforts are being made to improve the technical implementation of these elections.
As one of the largest democratic countries with a vast archipelago, the successful implementation of direct regional elections is a significant achievement.
Idham highlighted the successful conduct of the 2024 simultaneous regional elections, acknowledging minor technical challenges encountered in only two regions: Central Papua and Papua Pegunungan.
“Indonesia has held direct regional elections for almost two decades. We must also be realistic that this country is a democratic country based on people's sovereignty,” he remarked.
He further stressed that the KPU continues to strive for greater efficiency in the utilization of our budget. “I always urge every KPU in regions to prioritize efficient budget management.”
Regarding concerns about the high costs associated with regional elections, Idham emphasized the primacy of people's sovereignty. He pointed out that the Constitutional Court, through Decision Number 072-073/PUU-II/2004, has affirmed the principle of direct regional elections, overruling the previous system of election by the Regional Legislative Council (DPRD). This decision results from a judicial review of Law 32 of 2004 concerning Regional Government.
“Direct regional elections are a fundamental manifestation of democracy and people's sovereignty, and therefore, must be maintained,” he reiterated.
Idham's statement comes in response to recent calls by President Prabowo Subianto for a potential shift to an indirect system of regional elections. During a speech at the Golkar Party's anniversary celebration on Thursday, December 12, 2024, the President expressed admiration for the election systems of neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and India, where regional heads are elected by the DPRD.
Editor's Choice: Indonesian President Prabowo Suggests Scrapping Regional Elections to Cut Costs
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Pramono-Rano Karno to Be Sworn in as Jakarta Governor-Deputy Governor in February 2025
22 jam lalu
Pramono-Rano Karno secured a decisive victory in the election, garnering 2,183,239 votes, representing 50.07% of the total votes cast.
Indonesia Govt Confirms 12% VAT Rate in 2025, Exempts Essential Goods
1 hari lalu
The government has emphasized that essential goods and services will be exempt from this VAT hike.
Constitutional Court Receives 283 Regional Election Dispute Cases Ahead of Deadline
2 hari lalu
The Constitutional Court (MK) has received 283 regional election dispute cases as of Saturday, December 14, 2024.
Indonesian President Prabowo Suggests Scrapping Regional Elections to Cut Costs
3 hari lalu
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has suggested scrapping one of the country's two nationwide elections to cut costs.
Free Health Check-ups to Commence in Early 2025, Says Ministry
4 hari lalu
The Ministry of Health has announced plans to launch a free health check-up program for the Indonesian public in early 2025.
MK Accepts Election Lawsuits Even After the Registration Deadline
4 hari lalu
The Constitutional Court (MK) will still accept Pilkada lawsuits registered after the deadline because the institution cannot reject cases.
Prabowo's Pet Cat, Bobby Kertanegara, Wins Google Indonesia Award
4 hari lalu
President Prabowo Subianto's pet cat, Bobby Kertanegara, has won the Top Trending Searches 2024 award for the 'Who' category from Google Indonesia.
Ridwan Kamil-Suswono Decides Against Challenging Election Results in Court
5 hari lalu
Despite earlier indications that a legal challenge would be filed, the Ridwan Kamil-Suswono pair did not submit a lawsuit to the Constitutional Court.
The Shortcut to Victory in Regional Elections
6 hari lalu
Prabowo continued Jokowi's methods of bringing about victory for favored candidates. This damages state institutions.
Govt: 28 Election Officials Passed Away Due to Fatigue, Heart Attacks
7 hari lalu
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya revealed that 28 ad hoc election officials passed away as of December 8, 2024.
